12. Acute viral hepatitis (aetiology, pathomorphology, complicated forms): Difference between revisions

12. Acute viral hepatitis (aetiology, pathomorphology, complicated forms) (view source)

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 The HBV is a common viral infection worldwide which spreads via sex, blood, body fluids or vertically (mother-foetus transmission). The virus is tough and can withstand extreme temperatures and humidity. The HBV is a member of the Hepadnaviridae.
-HBV infection causes acute hepatitis, and approximately 20% of these cases progress into chronic hepatitis. The diagnosis of HBV is based on serology, where the levels of different antigens and antibodies are detected in the blood.
+HBV infection causes acute hepatitis, and approximately 5-10% of these cases progress into chronic hepatitis (in adults, the numbers are much higher if infected as a child). The diagnosis of HBV is based on serology, where the levels of different antigens and antibodies are detected in the blood.
 The hepatitis B virus has three antigens. HBsAg, HBeAg and HBcAg. These antigens and antibodies against them appear at different phases of the disease. The antibodies can be either <abbr>IgG</abbr> or IgM. Recall from immunology that IgM is the first antibody which appears in response to infection, while IgG appears later.